As field training officers, we understand the importance of developing well-rounded recruits. To achieve this goal, public safety agencies must move beyond simple documentation and use a data-driven approach to recruit training. By using data gathered in the field training program, agencies can understand better where a recruit may be struggling. Then agencies can focus on creating a strategy that builds more balanced employees.
Why Traditional Documentation is Not Enough
Since each day, in theory, is a new day, there may be times when we miss recognizing the areas where a recruit struggles. They may run into a situation so seldom that we don’t see a correlation. Traditional training documentation often only provides a simple view of a recruit’s progress and struggles. Unless you’re really paying attention, it can be difficult to identify an area where a recruit may stumble. When we write the daily observation report, we operate in the weeds, the day-to-day stuff. It’s hard to see the forest for the trees, and we often miss the big picture. And we struggle to identify the areas where recruits are struggling or where they may need more focused training.
The Importance of Data in Field Training
We may not realize it, but we’re always collecting data, and it’s the same in the field training process. Without the ability to collect and analyze that data, you’re flying blind through a storm without instruments. Utilizing a data-driven approach to recruit training is a powerful tool for identifying areas of improvement and developing training programs that address those areas. When we notice a recruit struggling with officer safety, we can hyperfocus our efforts in those areas and develope a plan. One that not only addresses the issue with the recruit but may lead to changes in our overall training program for future recruits. By using data in various ways, from an individual recruit level to agency-wide metrics. From demographic and retention to performance and comprehension. By drilling down into key metrics, we help our recruits become more well-rounded police officers and develope a robust training program moving forward.
Using Data to Develop More Well-Rounded Employees
For us to develope well-rounded public safety professionals requires a comprehensive training program that addresses all aspects of their job. This training includes technical, communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. Public safety agencies can better understand their recruits’ progress by collecting and analyzing data during the field training process. By using a data-driven approach to recruit training, we can identify areas where recruits may need more training and support. With this knowledge, field training officers and agency administration can develop training programs tailored to the needs of individual recruits. Using data to identify areas of improvement, we can ensure that recruits receive the proper training to become effective officers. This, in turn, will improve public safety in our communities and enhance the reputation of our agencies
Using Tracwire to Collect and Analyze Data
Tracwire is a powerful tool that can help public safety agencies collect and analyze data from their field training programs. We go beyond simple documentation to in-depth analysis to track the progress of your recruits, identify areas of improvement, and create training programs that address those areas.
One of the most significant benefits of Tracwire is that it allows you to create customized training programs for each recruit based on their specific needs. This means each recruit receives the training they need to become a more versatile public safety employee.
Tracwire also provides detailed analytics and reports, allowing agencies to identify trends and areas of improvement across their entire training program. This data can be used to improve the overall effectiveness of the training program and develop a more well-rounded workforce.